PVC Pipe Raised Dog Bed

I wanted to build a raised dog platform for a roughly 30" x 40" dog bed we have. You could easily change the dimensions of this 'ible to fit any size bed you may have. We have 4 dogs, so this might be the first of many builds of this type for me.

Supplies:

Step 1: Materials

PVC Pipe ¾": 10x 90 degree, 6x Ts, and approximately 20' of PVC pipe. *Note, Home Depot sells 24" lengths of PVC Pipe, which is what I used. Yes, more expensive, but it was easier for me. Also, the picture of the PVC pipe does not show all the quantities needed. Use what is written in the text*

2x Krylon Fusion Spray Paint #2344 Ivy Leaf: I used 2 cans, but probably need one more to make it perfect. This spray paint is made for plastics.

4x Conduit Hangers #1 size: This size worked for me, but you can also check as they are labeled from largest width to smallest width on each hanger. Largest should be ¾"

2x 2 ½" angle with holes (pictured): I had purchased these at Ace Hardware for another project. I cut these in half using a dremmel, giving me 4 flat pieces with holes in them.

1x 30" x 40" dog bed

4x: 1 ½" ¼ 20 screws

4x: ¼ 20 nuts

4x: ¼ 20 washers

4x Dogs: You may have less or more.

Step 2: Cutting PVC: the End Pieces

You will need to cut the PVC to some specific lengths. The ends of the bed are made by connecting a 24" length of pipe to two 90 degree turns. Coming out of the 90 degree turns is a piece roughly 3 ½" long. You will need to cut 8 pieces to this length and 2 pieces to just slightly longer about 4". The slightly longer pieces will be used for the middle bracing of the bed.

I cut the pieces using a pipe cutter (pictured). It is tedious work. Once you have cut these pieces, you may need to sand the edges to get them to fit into the fitting.

Place a 3.5" piece coming out of the 90 degree turns, then attach Ts onto them. Attach another 3.5" piece into the T that is parallel to the other one, then add a 90 degree turn and finally a 24" length. This should complete one side. You can see what it looks like in the picture above with the piece lying on a yellow sawhorse. Repeat the process for the other side.

Step 3: Cutting the PVC: the Middle

The mlong side of the project is composed of two lengths of PVC measuring about 18" each. The two lengths are connected using a T, which will face downward. Place the 4" lengths you cut earlier into the downward facing part of the T. Then place a 90 degree turn and then a 24" length. This should connect the middle section of the front and back for support.

Step 4: Mount the Plywood

Attach your Conduit Hangers midway between each length of the long side of the bed. Remove the screw from the conduit hanger and put it through one of the holes on the angle you cut into straight pieces. Then replace the screw into the holder and fasten it down as tightly as it can without breaking it. Do this for the remaining conduits hangers.

Next, put your plywood in place in the frame and mark the holes where the angle holes go and drill them out using a ¼" bit. Using your ¼20 screws and nuts, Attach your plywood snugly to the frame. I used washers on the backside of the wood.

Step 5: Spray Paint

The Krylon Fusion is good for plastics. Apply evenly in several coats. I used two cans, but you could probably use more, and I might go back and clean mine up a bit.

Step 6: Place Your Dog Bed

I jumped the gun here and took some photos before it was painted. Just imagine it green.

Step 7: Add Dogs

If you don't have dogs already, I recommend you go out and rescue one, or four, today. Enjoy your new raised dog bed.

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33 Discussions

one way to increase the weight capacity of this would be to make the plywood extend about two inches beyond each side of the PVC pipe assembly. Then cut holes in the plywood the connect the vertical portions of the PVC through. This way, all the weight would be supported by the vertical PVC legs rather than the conduit hangers. I think then you could easily support a 100lb dog on it.

If you did the above adjustment and you are worried about the edges/corners of the plywood, you can make a PVC frame that is about a 1/2" to 3/4" smaller than the plywood. Cut a slit, thick enought to allow the plywood to slip through, along the entire inside edge of the "frame" PVC and assemble it around the plywood. Or, if you have a router, could just round off the corned and edges of the plywood.

This is awesome! Do you think if I were to expand it, it would basically be built the same way, just with more materials? He have a pretty big bed for our dog. He's also 130 pounds, probably 135 or 140 now, he's getting a little chunky aha, so do you think I'd just need more supports? I saw the comment about that. Though I don't know if PVC would even hold a dog that big?

I made our dogs a PVC cot! The design is different than yours and it uses a removable cover so that I can wash it. (Made from old bed sheets- recycled). My dogs (14 and 22 lbs) share the cot. I like your design and may modify mine a bit to make it sturdier. (My dogs would have that nice fluffy bed in pieces the next day, thus the cot).

looks nice love the color concept made my dog one before with material not quite like this but I think this is going to be our next project for my baby girl, have been looking for the right type to make for her she is a medium sized dog around 48 lbs so this should do her good

You would definitely need to use metal instead of PVC. Additionally, the hanger clamps I used are probably not strong enough either. You will want to find another way to attach the wood to the structure. Good luck!